Right after I graduated I spent the summer saying goodbye to my friends
On the 12th of September I was gone. I ended up at Fort Ord, CA. for my basic training. It was a very good time. Then I was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana. From heaven to hell. I was extremely disappointed! I did end up at a new Armor unit. I ended up the Training NCO. Now that was a head trip??? I was in this unit for good reason. I had to organize everything from the very first PT in the morning; to the last thing of the day. To include the live fire with the tanks and bivouac. The ammunition and the classes in the winter. That was actually the best time of the year. Hardly any humidity. ???? That lasted two years, and off to Germany they sent me. I was told to report to Bamberg, when I got there I showed them my profile. They had to send me to Division HQ in Ansbach. I first started as a Training NCO. That lasted about six months. I tried to kick a person out for being overweight. They didn't want to get rid of this person. So I was sent to the mess hall. To pick up rations, for the mess hall three times a week. That was a blast. Come to find out they were looking for a NCO for their G-3 Graphics. I always wanted to work at Division HQ. I got my wish. I was transferred to that position. It was the highlight of Germany. I had two people that worked under me. I worked in a little cubby hole. It was perfect! I spent a great time there I got to work on the the VII Corp Conference in Garmisch. ( You know Hitler retreat.) I was then sent to Walter Reed Medical Center for a reclassification. They wanted me to work in a mess hall. Hmm? I don't think so. I was discharged from the Army with a honorable discharge with medical reasons. So it was a good 10 years. My ending date was February 16, 1982.